National sambo champion, international martial arts competitor on four continents, and CEO — Sarah Wills teaches audiences how to transform setbacks into stepping stones through science-backed strategies and lived experience.
Sarah Wills is an internationally acclaimed martial artist, U.S. National Sambo Champion, and motivational speaker who has won gold dozens of times across multiple martial arts disciplines. She has competed on four continents — and rebuilt her life after major injuries, chronic illness, and multiple surgeries.
Starting at 270 pounds with no athletic background in 2018, Sarah discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and applied the same Agile methodologies she used in business to transform her body, mind, and career. She has earned medals at the IBJJF Pan Americans, Europeans, and Masters Worlds, represented Team USA at the Sambo World Championships, and become a 14-time open IBJJF gold medalist.
A former award-winning debater and associate college professor — and now CEO and part-owner of an award-winning franchise — Sarah draws on neuroscience, personal experience, and practical tools to leave audiences inspired to rise, rebuild, and pursue what matters most.
Each keynote blends personal storytelling, neuroscience, and actionable frameworks your audience can use immediately.
Sarah shares her journey through major injuries, chronic illness, and surgeries — and the science-backed framework she used to come back stronger every time. Audiences learn how to reframe adversity, build resilience, and create momentum from moments that should have stopped them.
Discover how Sarah applied Agile methodologies from tech to become a world champion in martial arts. This talk delivers a practical system for continuous improvement, sprint planning, and retrospectives that work in any arena — from competition mats to quarterly goals.
Starting at 270 lbs with no athletic background, Sarah lost 100 pounds and became a national champion. This deeply personal talk covers the psychology of lasting transformation, overcoming mental health challenges, and why discipline beats motivation every time.
Drawing from competing on the world stage across four continents, Sarah reveals how she overcame severe performance anxiety and learned to thrive under pressure. Audiences gain tools for managing stress, channeling adrenaline, and delivering their best when it matters most.
From intimate workshops to arena keynotes, Sarah tailors every appearance to your audience and goals.
High-energy presentations for company events, leadership summits, and team offsites that drive measurable cultural shift.
Engaging sessions for industry events, professional conferences, and panel discussions on resilience and leadership.
Age-appropriate, inspiring talks for students on perseverance, mental health, goal-setting, and finding your path.
Interactive, hands-on sessions where participants build personalized action plans using Sarah’s proven frameworks.
Two flexible options to match your event's needs and budget. Every engagement includes a pre-event strategy call.
Have a custom event in mind? Reach out and let's build something tailored to your goals.
sarah@sursumleadership.com
